When is a generic country song actually the best country song? As they discuss Travis Tritt's weepy "Foolish Pride," Mark and Sarah realize they don't entirely agree on the answer. However, they both HAVE an answer, which leads to extended metaphors about living rooms and a return to the idea of male emotion in popular song. Our theme is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Steve Wariner. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkabo...
Oct 18, 2018•19 min•Ep. 128
Kick off your Sunday shoes, because we're ranking every song on the Footloose soundtrack! This sparks debate about Kenny Loggins's place in the world, Shalamar's sexy talk, and the value of fringe on a football uniform. Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Tommy Keene. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Want to get bonus content and vote in ...
Oct 11, 2018•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 127
What's worse: A song you've grown to hate, or a song you've always hated? That's the quandary in our discussion of Tom Cochrane's "Life is a Highway" and Jon Secada's "Just Another Day." As we consider our rage, we also touch on party etiquette, ill-fitted shirts, and how to fail at McDonald's. Our theme is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Red Rider. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@Talk...
Oct 04, 2018•31 min•Ep. 126
In what might be the most MASTAS conversation ever, a discussion of Carly Rae Jepsen's "Cut to the Feeling" leads us to '80s movies, conversational French, gazpacho recipes, and the punishing constraints of Western masculinity. All that, plus a pop chart reading for a 10-year-old! Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Hole. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebo...
Sep 27, 2018•35 min•Ep. 125
Paul Davis may have been the crappiest boyfriend on 80s lite FM, but damn if his tunes aren't catchy! As we recall the moist sounds of "Cool Night" and "'65 Love Affair," we reflect on long-haired hunks, melodic sexual harassment, and raising a toast to your own nuts. Our theme is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Polly Jean Harvey. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook...
Sep 20, 2018•23 min•Ep. 124
In Episode 2 of our MASTAS spin-off, Dan and Tracie and Sarah go deep into the catalogue of the original Real Housewives vanity singer extraordinaire: Kim Zolciak. After orienting ourselves with “Tardy for the Party” (music with a message!) and a clip from Kim’s legendary on-camera vocal lesson, we discuss our decision to cover “Love Me First,” a song that was not only not featured on the show, but has never been heard by anyone other than us. You’re welcome! Also: listener tribute cover, and a ...
Sep 17, 2018•43 min•Ep. 123
Is "Moves Like Jagger" a good song? Is Maroon 5 a good band? And who's the Jag of Project Runway contestants? All these questions are explored as we investigate the surprisingly durable career of a Voice coach and his buddies. Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by The Rolling Stones. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Want to get bonus content an...
Sep 13, 2018•26 min•Ep. 122
We've got to think! Think about why we love Aretha Franklin! Our discussion of "Think" lets us honor the dearly departed diva as both a musician and an eccentric auntie. Listen for Aretha's drunk-driving PSA, and our fantasia about fur coats and sacks of cash. Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Cat Power. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast)....
Aug 30, 2018•24 min•Ep. 121
On Episode 1 of the new MASTAS spin-off, Dan and Tracie and Mark and Sarah dig into the vanity singles of the Real Housewives, beginning with New York City and the first song from the great Countess Luann. Considering it first appeared on the show in 2010, the song is also a testament to Luann's ability to keep it (and her) in the cultural conversation, because, as they say: elegance is learned, relevance is earned. Then we break down the song construction of this classic single, and debut Dan a...
Aug 27, 2018•46 min•Ep. 120
We are a part of a MASTAS Nation! By which we mean we're ranking every song on Janet Jackson's classic album "Rhythm Nation 1814." Along the way, Sarah startles herself by loving a slow jam, Mark chair-dances so hard he almost hurts himself, and we both have some strong advice for pop stars who make political statements. Plus, we welcome our first-ever return customer for a pop chart astrology reading! Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Janet Jackson. This episode was recorded at ...
Aug 23, 2018•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 119
Is this burning an eternal podcast? We'd like to think so! A discussion of the Bangles' classic ballad gets us to some of the '80s' best songwriters, the unusual harmony of the "circle of fifth," and (most importantly) a powerful musical about STDs that we'll be writing soon. Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Aimee Mann. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (faceb...
Aug 16, 2018•23 min•Ep. 118
The sweet sound of The Lovin' Spoonful's "Darling Be Home Soon" gets us talking about relationships that give us space, lyrical phrasing that gives us chills, and YouTube comments that make us believe in humanity. Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by Cake. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Want to get bonus content and vote in rankin...
Aug 09, 2018•27 min•Ep. 117
There was a time when both Bruce Willis and Don Johnson had hit songs, and we're talking about both "Respect Yourself" AND "Heartbeat." This week, "we" means Mark, Sarah, and our very special guests Dan Rogge and Tracie Potochnik. Listen on for info about the exciting MASTAS spin-off, along with talk about TV stars with pop music dreams, the value of the Pointer Sisters, and how Don J. made a proto-Lemonade. Our theme is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Jack Wagner. Want to request a song, b...
Aug 02, 2018•41 min•Ep. 116
What starts as a simple discussion of Miranda Lambert's "Bathroom Sink" quickly evolves to include Dolly Parton's song about a dead dog, the best way to destroy your ex-boyfriend's car, and yet another potential side project for Allison Krauss. So here's to country-music superstars: You never know which dirt road they'll lead you down next! Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Ms. Dolly Parton. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello...
Jul 26, 2018•30 min•Ep. 115
We don't believe in metaphor, so for us "Pour Some Sugar On Me" is a song about dessert. Okay, not really. Talking about Def Leppard's hard-rock classic gets us surprisingly amped, even if we do have to draw some very delicate lines around what's problematic and what's cockular. Our intro is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Talking Heads. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or F...
Jul 19, 2018•24 min•Ep. 114
Noir and nastiness and...nerds? That's what you get with "Watching the Detectives," Elvis Costello's archly clever jam. Special guest Kevin Flynn joins us to discuss mysterious lyrics and peppy songs about dark deeds. We also discuss Duran Duran's cover of this joint and what makes a cover work in the first place. Our theme is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is by the Police. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet...
Jul 12, 2018•34 min•Ep. 113
Go beyond the veil as Sarah tells your future with the help of Jimi Hendrix -- then learn more about our July promotion for new Patreon patrons! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
Jul 05, 2018•5 min•Ep. 112
MASTAS is for your ears only as we rank 7 Bond themes that reached the top 10. Will the sky fall as we discuss everything from Duran Duran's sex appeal to Sheena Easton's Oscar misadventures? Will we live and let die after Mark's shocking revelation about his dessert preferences? Listen and find out! Our theme this week is the Bond theme. Obvs. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet us (@TalkSongs), or Facebook us (face...
Jun 28, 2018•57 min•Ep. 111
Tina Turner had a pair of weird (but wonderful) #2 hits in the '80s, but which one is the WEIRDEST? We're sussing it out as we discuss "We Don't Need Another Hero" and "Typical Male." Naturally, we also discuss thunderdomes, children's choirs, and men who still wear spats. Listen closely for a cameo by a Finnish metal supergroup! Our intro is by Andrew Byrne. Our outro is by Sting. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), tweet...
Jun 21, 2018•32 min•Ep. 110
[NOTE: MB's sound is tinny; that's all SDB's fault. Our apologies! We're working on it.] ...Turns out we're both big Miley Cyrus fans, and proud of it! A discussion of her breakthrough hit "See You Again" leads to a defense of her buttcheeks, an aside about power pop choruses, and a contest that could win you a MASTAS t-shirt. Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Lennon & Maisy. Want to request a song, buy a birthday chart reading, or just say hello? Email us (talkaboutsongs@gma...
Jun 14, 2018•27 min•Ep. 109
If it makes us happy, does it matter what Billy Corgan says "Today" is about? That question drives our conversation about the Smashing Pumpkins classic, though there are sidebars about poetry, MTV, and (yet again) Candlebox. Our theme is by Laura Barger and Jack Baldelli, and our outro is by Hole. Talk to us on Twitter (@TalkSongs), Facebook (facebook.com/mastas.podcast), and email (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), where you can also request songs or arrange for birthday chart readings. Get extra cont...
Jun 07, 2018•22 min•Ep. 108
Who'd have guessed we'd disagree this much about Meat Loaf? For one of us, "Paradise By the Dashboard Light" is just the tonic, and for the other, it's a dram of poison. That disagreement leads to reflections on excess, mid-air motorcycles, and the existential reckoning that comes with a really long song. Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by William Joel. You can reach us via email (talkaboutsongs@gmail.com), Twitter (@TalkSongs), or Facebook (facebook.com/mastas.podcast). Hear bonu...
May 31, 2018•34 min•Ep. 107
One of us loves Olivia Newton-John's "Magic" and the other can't remember it, even after hearing it. But which is which? Listen to find out, and you'll also hear about Olivia's enduring legacy, an unexpected covers album of her greatest hits, and the glory of musicals on roller skates. Our theme is by Andrew Byrne. Our outro is from Starlight Express (yessir!). Want to request a song, a pop chart astrology reading, or similar? Tweet us at @TalkSongs, email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com, or Face...
May 24, 2018•23 min•Ep. 106
Can anyone look good in an olive cotton suit? Bruno Mars can! We talk about his mastery of '90s style and New Jack Swing on his new song "Finesse" featuring Cardi B, and that gets us thinking about the glory of good nostalgia, the reasons beats sound cheap, and our varying tolerances for eating concentrated orange juice straight from the can. Our theme song is by David Gregory Byrne, and you'd better believe that our outro is by Bobby Brown. Want to request a song, a birthday reading, or a speci...
May 17, 2018•19 min•Ep. 105
It's our hundredth episode! To celebrate, Sarah and Mark surprise each other on-air with their song choices, and their esteemed colleague Tara Ariano delivers a surprise listener request. Will they like the unexpected choices? Will they occasionally squeal with delight? Will Teddy Ruxpin have an opinion? Listen to find out! The intro for this episode is by everyone who's ever written a MASTAS theme. The outro is by Chemical Brothers. To support our next 100 episodes -- and get bonus content -- j...
May 10, 2018•46 min•Ep. 104
Can a song make you pregnant? Listen to "Little Red Corvette" and call us in nine months. Our appreciation of Prince involves the two-way street of sexual objectification, guitar riffs that double as orgasms, and the varying fortunes of the Purple One's proteges. Our intro is by Laura Berger and Jack Baldelli. The outro is by Sheila E. Wanna vote in ranking episodes and get bonus content? Join us at patreon.com/mastas. Wanna request a song, ask for a birthday horoscope, or just say hello? Email ...
May 03, 2018•21 min•Ep. 103
What takes "Moon River" from "great song" to "timeless classic"? We have several theories to discuss, and only one of them involves the essential bleakness of the Finnish. We also touch on lyrics that make space for interpretation, Judy Garland's inspirational pain, and Henry Mancini's spot-on conducting. Plus: Teddy Ruxpin gets pissed! Our intro is by Andrew Byrne, and our outro is by Jason Castro (yes, of American Idol). Want to request a song, ask for a birthday chart reading, or just say hi?...
Apr 26, 2018•26 min•Ep. 102
Mark journeys through Whitney Houston's songs on the 'Bodyguard' soundtrack, ranking each one alongside the Patreon patrons. This leads to chart facts, appreciations of sass, and a sidebar about your friend's dad who wanted you to call him by his first name. Want to discuss the NON-Whitney songs on this soundtrack? Join us at patreon.com/mastas for even more 'Bodyguard' action. Want to make a request or just say hello? Email us at talkaboutsongs[at]gmail[dot]com, Facebook us at facebook.com/mast...
Apr 24, 2018•31 min•Ep. 101
We don't wanna wait...to get on with this ranking! If you need a podcast that discusses '90s TV themes which were also chart hits, then we'll be there for you. We're also searching our souls to explain our feelings about Dawson, strong margaritas, and Bryn Mawr. All that, plus a super-funky birthday chart reading! (More on Jamie Walters from Mark right here.) This week's intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and the outro is by Crowded House. Wanna get closer to free...ing up our ability to make this...
Apr 19, 2018•55 min•Ep. 100
The huge Paul Simon hit from the huge Graceland album is our topic today, along with the redemption of Chevy Chase; relationship realism in pop music; AND a playlist about earworms that goes in a very unexpected direction. Grab a piccolo and join us! Our intro is by David Gregory Byrne, and our outro is also by Paul Simon. Wanna make a request or just say hello? Tweet us at TalkSongs, Facebook us at facebook.com/mastas.podcast , or email us at talkaboutsongs@gmail.com . Join us at patreon.com/ma...
Apr 05, 2018•32 min•Ep. 99
